Sanya: The Sixth Asian Beach Games has officially commenced in China's tropical resort city of Sanya, with the opening ceremony taking place at the seaside Yasha Park. Around 10,000 participants, including 1,790 athletes, are engaged in this continental multi-sport event, which was initially slated for 2020 but faced two postponements due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chinese State Councillor Shen Yiqin announced the Games open following the parade of 45 delegations into the stadium. This event marks a significant moment for Hainan as it hosts a continental-level beach sports event for the first time. Additionally, it represents the island's inaugural major international sporting event since the Hainan Free Trade Port was launched last December.

The games, running from April 22 to 30, showcase 14 sports, 15 disciplines, and 62 events. This is the second instance of China hosting the Asian Beach Games, with the previous edition held in 2012 in Haiyang, Shandong Province. China has dispatched a delegation of 255 members, including 171 athletes, competing in 13 sports and 60 events, the highest participation for the country in the history of the Asian Beach Games.